Camden Fringe: Shards, The Camden People's Theatre - ★★★★★ - August 15 - 18, 2019


In physics, as in relationships, sometimes things need to collide and even be broken to discover the particle that holds them together. This is a refreshingly intelligent play about intelligent people. It does not make the mistake of seeking drama in the extraordinary or bizarre, but plumbs the complexity present in the everyday world. Whether it is on the macro-level of the universe or on the micro-level of people trying to understand themselves and to form relationships, there is ample challenge and wonder to be found. We see the steps, missteps and collisions that occur among four people before a rhythm is discovered and the swing dance of relationships can be mastered. Karim Dedda as Matt creates a convincingly caring and questing nurse and Vanessa Toral Diaz's Maya is a completely credible physician. She beautifully captures the manner of a slightly distant, but nevertheless vulnerable professional. Robert Dukes' Viktor is nuanced and does not fall into simple parody of the science nerd while Genie Kaminski offers a strong performance as the committed physicist, Laura. But the ultimate star for us is Catherine O'Shea's metaphor replete script. From the shards of experience we learn to gain perspective on life.

Reviewed by J.C.

 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
August 15, 17, 19 - 9 pm & August 18 - 7:15 pm
The Camden People's Theatre
Map & Location: 58-60 Hampstead Rd, Kings Cross, London NW1 2PY, UK

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